[Overview]
Lunala is a mainstay defensive Pokemon often paired with the classic core of Yveltal, Eternatus, and Necrozma-DM, forming a defensive backbone that is very difficult to break. Its typing may look terrible, compounding weaknesses to Calyrex-S and Marshadow; however, it provides three immunities and a neutrality to most types. These defensive traits, Shadow Shield, Heavy-Duty Boots, and Roost let Lunala blanket check some of the most dangerous threats in the tier, such as Fire-type move Groudon, Zygarde-C, Zekrom, offensive Necrozma-DM, Rayquaza, and Mewtwo. Lunala excels in long games, where its unmatched reliability in checking strong threats gives it a unique niche. Shadow Shield also makes it a "get out of jail free" card, even stopping a Geomancy Xerneas sweep in an emergency. Lunala can also opt for a more offensive set that surprises common switch-ins like Yveltal with Meteor Beam while still offering defensive utility. However, Lunala's reliance on constantly using Roost to maintain Shadow Shield makes it one of the more predictable Pokemon in the tier. This tendency also sacrifices momentum; thus, more flexible defensive options such as Landorus-T are sometimes preferred. Lunala is also vulnerable to lure options, especially status moves such as Toxic from Groudon. Overall, the key to Lunala is using its defensive presence to let other teammates be more offensive while, at the same time, running teammates with some defensive utility of their own to make Lunala more flexible.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Will-O-Wisp / Thunder Wave
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hex / Roar / Defog
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Shadow Shield
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 240 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Roost provides Lunala with reliable recovery and, in tandem with Heavy-Duty Boots, lets it consistently maintain Shadow Shield, even in the face of entry hazards. The choice of status move comes down to teammate choice. Will-O-Wisp covers more threats, allowing Lunala to check Zekrom and cripple Groudon and Necrozma-DM for the rest of the game. Thunder Wave stops Mewtwo lacking the rare Shadow Ball, and it is useful to take advantage of common switch-ins such as Yveltal and Eternatus. It notably makes Lunala much less reliable at checking Zekrom, though. Ice Beam does massive damage to Zygarde and Rayquaza, and it does great damage to Groudon and Zekrom. Hex is generally the preferred last move, as it makes Lunala less passive. Even without status, Hex can OHKO Calyrex-S and do good damage to Marshadow. With status, it allows Lunala to decently damage Necrozma-DM and Ferrothorn. Roar is useful for Zygarde, which can otherwise pressure Lunala through Substitute and status. It can also be useful in an emergency to stop a runaway sweep from Lum Berry Necrozma-DM, Geomancy Xerneas, or another sweeper with several boosts. Defog is a decent option for the Sticky Web matchup thanks to Heavy-Duty Boots and Lunala's good Speed. It is otherwise not recommended, as most entry hazard setters can cripple Lunala through Knock Off or status. The given EV spread outspeeds all base 95 Speed Pokemon such as Rayquaza and Galarian Darmanitan.
Teammate choice depends on which moves Lunala has. Will-O-Wisp provides more security against Zekrom and Groudon, which is appreciated by teammates like Zygarde. Groudon makes for a great teammate for Thunder Wave sets, as it can check Zekrom, which Thunder Wave Lunala can’t do well, and Lunala can paralyze Yveltal on the switch in return. Defensive Xerneas, Buzzwole, Zarude are also good partners, as they can take pressure off Lunala to stay healthy enough to check Zekrom and Zygarde. Yveltal is nigh-mandatory to switch into Calyrex-S. Offensive Yveltal in particular likes Defog Lunala, which prevents it from taking Stealth Rock damage. Eternatus, Zygarde, Xerneas, and Buzzwole can check Marshadow, and the former three can check Hone Claws Yveltal. Hex sets appreciate any teammate that can spread status, such as Thunder Wave Necrozma-DM. Ferrothorn can check Zekrom reliably and provide Spikes support, so it works great with any Thunder Wave or Roar set. Cleric support from Pokemon like Calyrex-S is much appreciated if available, as any form of status can ruin Lunala's day.
[SET]
name: Meteor Beam
move 1: Meteor Beam
move 2: Roost
move 3: Moongeist Beam
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Power Herb
ability: Shadow Shield
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Lunala naturally attracts switch-ins such as Yveltal and Ho-Oh, which makes an offensive Meteor Beam set a viable option. With great base Special Attack and a strong Moongeist Beam, Lunala can be a force to be reckoned with, especially at +1. Unfortunately, this set very much relies on the surprise factor of Meteor Beam, as it can easily be forced out by Calyrex-S, Marshadow, or Mystical Fire Eternatus, which severely limits its ability to sweep. A perk of this set is that, with Roost and Shadow Shield, Lunala can still provide useful defensive utility, even without significant HP investment. Ice Beam is Lunala's best coverage option, hitting Yveltal, Eternatus, and Zygarde hard. The combination of Ice Beam and Roost can let Lunala feign a defensive set, although a smart player will be able to tell the difference by using a damage calculator when Lunala deals or takes damage.
This set works best when it can appear to be regular defensive Lunala at Team Preview. Due to this, it’s not recommended on hyper offense builds such as Sticky Web teams, as that would ruin the surprise. This Lunala set can significantly weaken or outright KO Ho-Oh and Yveltal, which makes Calyrex-S an obvious option. Other options include Marshadow without Rock Tomb, Buzzwole, Urshifu-S, and Mewtwo. While Ghost-types work well together offensively, keep in mind that defensively they multiply weaknesses to opposing Ghost- and Dark-types. Yveltal and Ho-Oh help this matchup. Both Pokemon also offer Defog, which is mandatory for this set; Lunala being affected by entry hazards will instantly reveal that it has an offensive set.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
Moongeist Beam can be used over Hex for a stronger attack against foes without status afflictions. It can also be useful to check Lum Berry Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM when Lunala lacks Roar. Teleport is an interesting option to gain momentum on predicted switches. You must use it carefully because, since Teleport will always make Lunala move last, it can lead to Lunala taking damage and forcing a future Roost when a regular switch would have sufficed. Psyshock may be used on the Meteor Beam set to hit Blissey and Eternatus harder, but the other coverage options and Roost generally provide more utility.
Checks and Counters
====
**Ghost- and Dark-type Pokemon and Attacks**: Lunala's 4x weaknesses to Ghost and Dark leave it extremely vulnerable to Calyrex-S, Marshadow, Yveltal, Urshifu-S, less obvious threats like Knock Off users, and lure options like Shadow Ball on Mewtwo.
**Status**: Lunala hates any form of status. Passive damage will prevent it from ever having Shadow Shield active. Paralysis will stop Lunala from having the Speed needed to use Roost consistently, and full paralysis can stop it from forcing Pokemon like Zygarde and Groudon out. However, be aware that Lunala sometimes partners with clerics like Calyrex-S.
**Special Walls**: Eternatus, Yveltal, Ferrothorn, and Ho-Oh can come in relatively freely on defensive Lunala and force it out, although none appreciate taking a status move, and only Ferrothorn doesn't mind Meteor Beam. Blissey hard walls even the Meteor Beam set, forcing it out through Confide and Thunder Wave.
**Lum Berry**: Pokemon such as Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM and Double Dance Groudon can block Lunala's status with Lum Berry, proceeding to 2HKO it.
**Multi-hit Attacks**: While uncommon, moves such as Scale Shot and Icicle Spear only suffer Shadow Shield's damage reduction on the first hit.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Manaphy, 50695]]
- Quality checked by: [[Aberforth, 249382], [TrueNora, 432086]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [Rabia, 336073]]
Lunala is a mainstay defensive Pokemon often paired with the classic core of Yveltal, Eternatus, and Necrozma-DM, forming a defensive backbone that is very difficult to break. Its typing may look terrible, compounding weaknesses to Calyrex-S and Marshadow; however, it provides three immunities and a neutrality to most types. These defensive traits, Shadow Shield, Heavy-Duty Boots, and Roost let Lunala blanket check some of the most dangerous threats in the tier, such as Fire-type move Groudon, Zygarde-C, Zekrom, offensive Necrozma-DM, Rayquaza, and Mewtwo. Lunala excels in long games, where its unmatched reliability in checking strong threats gives it a unique niche. Shadow Shield also makes it a "get out of jail free" card, even stopping a Geomancy Xerneas sweep in an emergency. Lunala can also opt for a more offensive set that surprises common switch-ins like Yveltal with Meteor Beam while still offering defensive utility. However, Lunala's reliance on constantly using Roost to maintain Shadow Shield makes it one of the more predictable Pokemon in the tier. This tendency also sacrifices momentum; thus, more flexible defensive options such as Landorus-T are sometimes preferred. Lunala is also vulnerable to lure options, especially status moves such as Toxic from Groudon. Overall, the key to Lunala is using its defensive presence to let other teammates be more offensive while, at the same time, running teammates with some defensive utility of their own to make Lunala more flexible.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Will-O-Wisp / Thunder Wave
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hex / Roar / Defog
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Shadow Shield
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 240 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Roost provides Lunala with reliable recovery and, in tandem with Heavy-Duty Boots, lets it consistently maintain Shadow Shield, even in the face of entry hazards. The choice of status move comes down to teammate choice. Will-O-Wisp covers more threats, allowing Lunala to check Zekrom and cripple Groudon and Necrozma-DM for the rest of the game. Thunder Wave stops Mewtwo lacking the rare Shadow Ball, and it is useful to take advantage of common switch-ins such as Yveltal and Eternatus. It notably makes Lunala much less reliable at checking Zekrom, though. Ice Beam does massive damage to Zygarde and Rayquaza, and it does great damage to Groudon and Zekrom. Hex is generally the preferred last move, as it makes Lunala less passive. Even without status, Hex can OHKO Calyrex-S and do good damage to Marshadow. With status, it allows Lunala to decently damage Necrozma-DM and Ferrothorn. Roar is useful for Zygarde, which can otherwise pressure Lunala through Substitute and status. It can also be useful in an emergency to stop a runaway sweep from Lum Berry Necrozma-DM, Geomancy Xerneas, or another sweeper with several boosts. Defog is a decent option for the Sticky Web matchup thanks to Heavy-Duty Boots and Lunala's good Speed. It is otherwise not recommended, as most entry hazard setters can cripple Lunala through Knock Off or status. The given EV spread outspeeds all base 95 Speed Pokemon such as Rayquaza and Galarian Darmanitan.
Teammate choice depends on which moves Lunala has. Will-O-Wisp provides more security against Zekrom and Groudon, which is appreciated by teammates like Zygarde. Groudon makes for a great teammate for Thunder Wave sets, as it can check Zekrom, which Thunder Wave Lunala can’t do well, and Lunala can paralyze Yveltal on the switch in return. Defensive Xerneas, Buzzwole, Zarude are also good partners, as they can take pressure off Lunala to stay healthy enough to check Zekrom and Zygarde. Yveltal is nigh-mandatory to switch into Calyrex-S. Offensive Yveltal in particular likes Defog Lunala, which prevents it from taking Stealth Rock damage. Eternatus, Zygarde, Xerneas, and Buzzwole can check Marshadow, and the former three can check Hone Claws Yveltal. Hex sets appreciate any teammate that can spread status, such as Thunder Wave Necrozma-DM. Ferrothorn can check Zekrom reliably and provide Spikes support, so it works great with any Thunder Wave or Roar set. Cleric support from Pokemon like Calyrex-S is much appreciated if available, as any form of status can ruin Lunala's day.
[SET]
name: Meteor Beam
move 1: Meteor Beam
move 2: Roost
move 3: Moongeist Beam
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Power Herb
ability: Shadow Shield
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Lunala naturally attracts switch-ins such as Yveltal and Ho-Oh, which makes an offensive Meteor Beam set a viable option. With great base Special Attack and a strong Moongeist Beam, Lunala can be a force to be reckoned with, especially at +1. Unfortunately, this set very much relies on the surprise factor of Meteor Beam, as it can easily be forced out by Calyrex-S, Marshadow, or Mystical Fire Eternatus, which severely limits its ability to sweep. A perk of this set is that, with Roost and Shadow Shield, Lunala can still provide useful defensive utility, even without significant HP investment. Ice Beam is Lunala's best coverage option, hitting Yveltal, Eternatus, and Zygarde hard. The combination of Ice Beam and Roost can let Lunala feign a defensive set, although a smart player will be able to tell the difference by using a damage calculator when Lunala deals or takes damage.
This set works best when it can appear to be regular defensive Lunala at Team Preview. Due to this, it’s not recommended on hyper offense builds such as Sticky Web teams, as that would ruin the surprise. This Lunala set can significantly weaken or outright KO Ho-Oh and Yveltal, which makes Calyrex-S an obvious option. Other options include Marshadow without Rock Tomb, Buzzwole, Urshifu-S, and Mewtwo. While Ghost-types work well together offensively, keep in mind that defensively they multiply weaknesses to opposing Ghost- and Dark-types. Yveltal and Ho-Oh help this matchup. Both Pokemon also offer Defog, which is mandatory for this set; Lunala being affected by entry hazards will instantly reveal that it has an offensive set.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
Moongeist Beam can be used over Hex for a stronger attack against foes without status afflictions. It can also be useful to check Lum Berry Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM when Lunala lacks Roar. Teleport is an interesting option to gain momentum on predicted switches. You must use it carefully because, since Teleport will always make Lunala move last, it can lead to Lunala taking damage and forcing a future Roost when a regular switch would have sufficed. Psyshock may be used on the Meteor Beam set to hit Blissey and Eternatus harder, but the other coverage options and Roost generally provide more utility.
Checks and Counters
====
**Ghost- and Dark-type Pokemon and Attacks**: Lunala's 4x weaknesses to Ghost and Dark leave it extremely vulnerable to Calyrex-S, Marshadow, Yveltal, Urshifu-S, less obvious threats like Knock Off users, and lure options like Shadow Ball on Mewtwo.
**Status**: Lunala hates any form of status. Passive damage will prevent it from ever having Shadow Shield active. Paralysis will stop Lunala from having the Speed needed to use Roost consistently, and full paralysis can stop it from forcing Pokemon like Zygarde and Groudon out. However, be aware that Lunala sometimes partners with clerics like Calyrex-S.
**Special Walls**: Eternatus, Yveltal, Ferrothorn, and Ho-Oh can come in relatively freely on defensive Lunala and force it out, although none appreciate taking a status move, and only Ferrothorn doesn't mind Meteor Beam. Blissey hard walls even the Meteor Beam set, forcing it out through Confide and Thunder Wave.
**Lum Berry**: Pokemon such as Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM and Double Dance Groudon can block Lunala's status with Lum Berry, proceeding to 2HKO it.
**Multi-hit Attacks**: While uncommon, moves such as Scale Shot and Icicle Spear only suffer Shadow Shield's damage reduction on the first hit.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Manaphy, 50695]]
- Quality checked by: [[Aberforth, 249382], [TrueNora, 432086]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [Rabia, 336073]]
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